The Lebanon express. (Lebanon, Linn County, Or.) 1887-1898, 1887-03-05
THE FGREMoMAN,s DAUGH-
TER.

10 ul6s
The attendant who had answered
the bell departed with the order. leav-
ing MIR. Beliingham al solitary possess
sion of his suinpiuously-appointe office.
The Bellinghams. perhaps the oldest
importers of china and elegant porce-
lains in Europe. had been favorab bly,,
honorably known 10 the trade for uD-
wards of three-quarters of century.
The elder Bellingham was in his grave;
the younger was in his office, awaiting
the appearance of his forewoman. Mrs.
Graham.
In is one of the intirmities of our lam
guage that we are frequently unable TO
express : comparison without attaching
some misapprehension thereto. as in the
present instance. Augustus Bellin1-
ham was not young. He had existed
during two score years. and it must be
admitted that he showed his age
Still, he was a remarkably handsome
man, well proportioned. and in the tTne
sense of the word gentleman. De had
seen nothing of the seanay side of life;
he had been finely educated. and had
glided without friction into the seat Of
" prosperous business made vacant by
the demise of mis- respected father.
Upon this particular morning he had
summoned Mrs Graham upon matter
which had forced i.self upon his notice
in her department, aIs---.iicih, tAough
he could not escape. heheartis.y dread
ed to broach-
Therefore. the appeafance OF . slen-
der sickly woman, neatly aFtired in
black, was the signal for hit tn o rise
from his luxurious chair in some per
turbation.
..Will you be seated. Mrs 9r2nam?'
were his first words, as he pointed 10 n
chair.
Ii MIR. Bellingham was 4Derturbed,
poor Mrs. Graham was still more 50.
Such courtesy from her august employer
| terrified her, and in speechleks amaze
iment she sank upon the edgeiof the seat
indicated.
Mr.. Bellingham posed gracefAly up
on the edge of his desk.
Mrs. Graham" se began again.
s.you look unwell-
.Oh, sir-do you think so, supp
Yes; and you are uawAll are you
note"
Il have not been quite slrong for
some time past
missed several days during the past
month";"
The pallid face flushed consciously.
.Yes. sir, / have" she falteFed, clasp
ing her thin hands; but | have spoken
70 the bookkeeper about it, and asked
him to deduct the time from NY wages.
It was now Mr.. Bellinghans turn to
flush.
1T Is not question of money, Mrs
Graham" be said with someconstraint
s.you have served so long and faithfully;
that we should not begrudge you time
lost through illness. but welmust posi-
lively have someone in yourpiace every
day.
s-Oh, shall be there eiery day in
future, SIR cried Mrs. Gaham, the
ready tears starting to her eyes.
But you look as though Fou needed
rest and care"
al think .-o1
z pardon me if | differ with You; !
think you do Yen - Tar from well.
l. .ah-s- Graham. ah8 e = -
Placing one hanl sgon the arm o.
the chair, she rose with some difficulty
and faced her employer, look of pit
eous appeal in her deep grey eyes.
s.Am Ito understand that you wish to
dismiss me from your employ, sir?''
..For your own sake / think il would
DG DETER were 4 20 6mplOy stronger
person TO replace you
The words struck home to the anxiou.
heart like a shaft. She staggered fol
an instant blindly, but recovered her
self as quickly.
Very well. Mr.. Belingham," she re.
Joined family; Iii stph is your will
have nothing to say. bur God help mel
She turned towards the door to retire
when Augustus Beliiagham took for
ward step.
'-Mrs. Graham!'
ssSirPn
DO not misundertand Ine. Remair
for the rest of this Month; If at its ex
piration you find ydrself well enough
TO continue at your post well and good
Otherwise. pray beisve that l snail Sc,
to it that you are cmfortable for th'
remainder Of your lfe-"
He meant well; inhappily, however
he expressed himses cluinsily, and hi
generosity wounded where 1t had beer
intended to heal.
Mrs Graham raied her bowed heaC
and dealt him lok instinct with dig
nifty.
II thank you. Mr. BelltnghaIn. sL,
said 81 am gtd OF the pay that
work for. but i o not itlink thai m,
services to you ad your father woui.
warrant my acceIglg yJur charity.
shall remain q Ag the mouth. anc